3 reasons to smash a HIIT workout today!

Does a lack of time prevent you from working out? Do you ever find yourself losing concentration and drive beyond an hour spent training? If so, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) could be your solution. HIIT comprises periods of short, intense anaerobic exercise interspersed with brief recovery periods. If the efficiency, convenience and metal stimulation created by HIIT is not enough to encourage you to incorporate it into your routine, here are a few more reasons to smash a HIIT workout today.

1. Boost hormones which facilitate muscle growth

HIIT training goes beyond simply burning a high amount of energy. It facilitates muscle growth by increasing levels of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) and Testosterone in the body. HGH is responsible for cell growth and regeneration, thereby helping you to build muscle. Likewise, testosterone is one of the many components involved in muscle development.

The amount of HGH and testosterone secreted by the body decline as we age. This results in a manifestation of physiological changes including decreased lean muscle mass, bone density and immunity as well as increased body fat and disrupted sleep. Thus, incorporating HIIT into your training schedule can help to prolong strength and mobility as you age.

2. Increase your daily energy expenditure

The body requires an increased uptake of oxygen post training to return back to homeostasis. This process is known as Excess Post Oxygen Consumption (EPOC). The body demands more calories during this period as it works in overdrive to decrease core temperature, repair damaged muscle fibers and replenish fuel stores. This is great news for those wishing to loose weight as expending a larger amount of energy per day facilitates weight loss.

3. Break mental barriers and boost your mood

While there are many physiological benefits of HIIT training, one often overlooked advantage is the potential to improve our mind. HIIT increases intellectual acuity, heightens our mood and reduces stress. These effects result from the release of ‘feel good’ chemicals such as endorphins, serotonin and dopamine in response to exercise.

Furthermore, HIIT workouts are challenging, requiring you to dig deep and push past your comfort zone. This results in an elevated feeling of accomplishment and self-pride post training, thereby helping to increase self-esteem. Coupled with this, HIIT promotes improvements in body composition which may further boost confidence levels.

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